“Our ring tells a story. And I think our story is pretty incredible.” The New York Jets’ former quarterback, Joe Namath, said this when he and his team did incredibly in 1969. It was Super Bowl III, played at the Orange Bowl stadium in Miami against Baltimore. And guess what? The Jets team was considered underdogs at that time. And if analyzed closely, it arguably seems like a similar case to the present Jets team.

Today it has been 55 years since Gang Green won their only Super Bowl. The thirst to end this drought in the Jets nation and the team started when they traded Aaron Rodgers in 2023. However, as he met with unfortunate circumstances, that hope subsided. But Rodgers’ comeback has ignited that hope once again, with even Jets general manager Joe Douglas saying, “We are past the point of growth. I feel like this is a team that is ready to win.” But what Aaron Rodgers has to say about the new, arguably polished Jets team?

Aaron Rodgers counts his team as the Super Bowl contenders?

In a recent interview posted by Optimistic Jets on X, Aaron Rodgers revealed what he thinks about his team as the season is arriving soon. During the discussion, the host Dylan asked him: “This team won seven games without you last year. How far can you guys go? What’s the feeling at the moment among the players and yourself?” To which, Aaron Rodgers gave an honest take saying, “I think the feeling is that everybody knows in training camp there’s thirty two teams playing, but there’s not thirty two teams that could win the championship. There’s usually less than that.” Hence, he made it clear that not all teams in training camp have a real shot at winning the championship. Therefore, Rodgers believes that only about 8 to 12 teams usually make it to the end, depending on factors like injuries and streaks.

But for his team, the Jets, Rodgers is confident, as he highlighted, “We are one of those eight to twelve teams. Everybody knows it.” He even praised his strong defense and the offensive talent that could make them top contenders for the Super Bowl this year. Not only that! Aaron Rodgers concluded on an optimistic note, expressing, “So I love our chances. Know it’s going to be a successful season for us. Obviously, we are praying for some good health, but we have the talent and ability to be one of the last two teams standing.”

The Jets are coming off this season with 7 wins and 10 losses in 2023. Aaron Rodgers’ injury setback shook up the team last time. And now as he will be coming in as the starter, all eyes will be on him, hoping that Rodgers stays healthy this time. Because, as per many analysts, including Chris Long, the most concerning part of the Gang Green will be the health.

Can A-Rod’s team win this time?

The Jets team had a tough phase with injuries on their offensive line in 2023. QB Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles was the toughest of all. Hence, as they move forward to their 2024 season, the health concerns have started coming into debates–despite the fact that they have added some talent to their roster this time. Jets GM Joe Douglas, who feels this will be the year for the Jets, have added some offensive weapons like Tyron Smith, who is an All-Pro offensive tackle, and tough & durable Morgan Moses, who is a solid starter with minimal injury history. But as Chris Long said that even if there are best players on the Jets team, if the team is not healthy, nothing will go in their favor. But, are injuries the only concern?

Well, according to some, including an unnamed head coach, Aaron Rodgers’ age factor is also a concern for the franchise. This year, A-Rod will turn 41, and if you see his previous clip before his 2023 injury, “he did not look good. He looks old.” So, according to that HC, if the Jets “can’t protect him and they can’t run the football, it’ll be just what you saw in the late stages in Green Bay,” where he failed to lead his team to the playoffs (with 8-9 record).

So, yes! It will potentially be a do or die situation for the Jets quarterback, Aaron Rodgers!